What to see in Naples in a week: complete itinerary in seven days

Are you looking for your next exciting trip? We strongly recommend you to visit Naples in a week! The city of the sun is a fantastic destination to explore anytime through the year, perfect also for quick getaways in one day or in a weekend.

But a whole week in Naples... is truly the best choice to gift yourself with an unforgettable vacation and fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city, perhaps even taking a tour of its rich surroundings.

Founded by the Cumaeans in the 7th century B.C., it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Characterised by its spectacular location on the Gulf of Naples, it is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and places that we'll discover in this seven days itinerary, including the majestic Vesuvius and the Capri, Ischia and Procida islands. So, you're on? Let's find out what to see in Naples in a week!

To spend a week in Naples is a pleasure for the senses, but to enjoy it to the fullest we recommend you to plan everything carefully. A useful tool for example, is the Naples Pass, the city card that allows you to access exclusive discounts, the best attractions and public transport in a convenient and practical way. To best organize your seven days in Naples, look at our guides on the best places to sleep, where to have breakfast and where to eat in the city. We have also created for you a complete guide on the best things to do in Naples for a truly top travel experience!

Here we are, ready to begin an intense journey full of beautiful adventures day after day. Our one-week itinerary in Naples will begin in the picturesque historic center. On the second day we'll visit the main attractions of the city, while on the third day we'll move from the center to the hilly area, to visit the most beautiful museums in Naples.

Then, an unmissable and adventurous day on Vesuvius, the mountain symbol of the city. On the fifth day, we’ll visit Mergellina, Posillipo and Chiaia, some of the most fascinating places in Naples. Afterwards, we will take you to the Quartieri Spagnoli, among narrow and winding streets where you can discover the true Neapolitan spirit, and finally, on the seventh day, we will explore the areas surrounding the city.

You can choose between the islands of the Gulf or the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta; alternatively, if you're looking for good value for money, why not spend the last day shopping and treating yourself to a luxurious gift at the nearby McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. The choice is yours!  

Start your journey to Naples in a week by exploring the historic center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, perfect to visit in the morning. Stroll through the old town's picturesque streets, discover its treasures, and lose yourself in the most hidden alleyways around Spaccanapoli. If you want, check out also where to stay in Naples historic center.

Stroll peacefully through the chaotic and colorful streets of the city. Then, around noon, visit the Naples Cathedral, where the blood of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint, is kept in a precious ampoule. Discover the Treasure of San Gennaro by entering the Royal Chapel of the Treasure, one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the city.

In the early afternoon, continue exploring the surrounding alleys, stop for a delicious pizza a portafoglio, walk through Via San Biagio dei Librai, and reach the beautiful Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, one of the city's most stunning squares, where you can visit the homonymous Basilica, rich in frescoes, paintings, and stucco decorations.

From there, in just a few minutes, you can reach the Sansevero Chapel, famous for its incredible late Baroque sculptures, including the Veiled Christ stands out.

On the evening of your first day in Naples, after having admired the best of the historic center and experienced the best of the city like a true Neapolitan, you can end with a bang by treating yourself with the authentic Neapolitan pizza!

Day 1 stops:

- Historic center and Spaccanapoli

- Naples Cathedral and the Treasure of San Gennaro

- Via San Biagio dei Librai, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, and Sansevero Chapel

- Dinner with Neapolitan pizza

On your second day on your week trip to Naples, you could dedicate the early morning to explore again some of the streets of the historic center and then venture for a visit to Underground Naples. Here's our guide on how to get there.

We are talking about a labyrinth of underground passages and tunnels that tell the secret history of the city. A history that has its roots in Roman antiquity, when volcanic tuff was used to build the foundations of the city. Over the centuries, these cavities were expanded and exploited for a variety of purposes, becoming over time shelters, cisterns for collecting water or oil, places of worship, and lazarettos during wars or epidemics.

After finishing your visit to this fascinating place, head towards Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the most beautiful squares in Naples and among the largest in Italy, where you can admire the extraordinary Basilica of San Francesco da Paola and find out the elegance and the power of the ancient Royal Palace, an iconic place representing the rich and noble history of the city of the sun.

If you like castles, not far from Piazza Plebiscito, don't miss the majestic Maschio Angioino. At sunset, we recommend taking a nice walk around the city's picturesque seafront and visiting the wonderful Castel dell'Ovo, an ancient castle with a spectacular view of the sea and Mount Vesuvius, rich in legends and fascinating stories. 

You can spend the rest of the evening walking around the city center, the perfect time and place to experience Naples bite by bite enjoying its incredible street food!

Day 2 stops:

- Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)

- Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace

- Maschio Angioino, Castel dell’Ovo, and the seafront

- Evening street food in the city center

When it comes to art and culture in Naples, you are truly spoilt for choice. This third day of your trip to Naples in a week you can dedicate entirely to the cultural attractions of the city. In the morning, visit the Capodimonte Museum, one of Italy's largest art galleries, with works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. The museum is surrounded by the greenery of the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a green lung of the city, offering beautiful views of the city and Mount Vesuvius.

Around midday, continue your itinerary by visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), one of the most fascinating archaeological museums in Italy, an essential stop for immersing yourself in ancient history. The MANN hosts fantastic collections of artifacts from Ancient Rome and Greece, including the extraordinary mosaic of the Battle of Issus, depicting Alexander the Great against Darius III of Persia. The building itself is a masterpiece of art and architecture, with well-maintained rooms and a solemn atmosphere.

In the afternoon, after lunch, take a break by visiting the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara, strolling peacefully through its cloisters adorned with maiolica and Mediterranean gardens, while admiring stunning views and incredible panoramas.

Speaking of panoramas, we must not forget the Vomero district, easily reached in a few funicular stops (included in the Naples Pass) that will take you to a lively place, full of shopping streets, greenery and also culture. Here you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city from Castel Sant'Elmo, a true must-see attraction not to be missed on your vacation to Naples in a week. 

Spend the rest of the evening at Vomero, exploring the fantastic Neapolitan nightlife in one of its most chic districts!

Day 3 stops:

- Capodimonte Museum

- National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN)

- Santa Chiara Monumental Complex

- Vomero District: Castel Sant’Elmo and evening nightlife

Here we are on the fourth day, halfway through the travel itinerary to Naples in one week. After having already visited many attractions in the city, it's time to discover its enchanting surroundings...what's better than the city's symbolic mountain?

Our suggestion is to dedicate a whole day to Vesuvius, from morning to evening, visiting the natural wonders of the area and above all the suggestive archaeological sites of Naples. If you are a lover of ancient history, you cannot help but be fascinated by the discovery of places such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, both overwhelmed by the violent eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

If you love hiking and the weather conditions are fine, you could climb Vesuvius to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Naples and admire the volcano's crater. You can reach the top of the volcano by following the signs of the hiking routes, but be careful: we suggest joining guided tours to make the most of your trip to Mount Vesuvius, ensuring both a better experience and safety.

Your trip to Vesuvius will be a fantastic experience, we are sure of it! 

Day 4 stops:

- Visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum

- Excursion to Mount Vesuvius

Fifth day of your week in Naples: after having explored Vesuvius, head back to the city and spend the day discovering three truly enchanting areas: Mergellina, Posillipo and Chiaia.

In the morning explore the Mergellina area, walking along the city's charming seafront in the sunlight, following the string of bars and small seaside chalets. Don't miss the nearby Parco Vergiliano in Piedigrotta, a location full of fantastic views to photograph, considered the traditional burial place of the poet Virgil with a monument dedicated to him. Among the other attractions of the park, they stand out the funerary monument dedicated to Leopardi and the Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient gallery of Roman origin.

In the afternoon you can reach Posillipo, one of the most evocative districts of Naples: it stands on a hill from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the city's bay. There’s also a postcard-perfect balcony on the so-called '13 slopes', a series of ancient ramps, stairways, and narrow streets that connect the neighborhood to the sea.

Here you can find the sumptuous Villa Volpicelli, a beautiful fort that stands out on the romantic Posillipo coast, along with the nearby Virgiliano Park (we know, it's easy to get confused with the park in Mergellina!), where you can admire the small island of Nisida and the entire Campi Flegrei from above. 

At the end of the day, returning towards the center of Naples following the seafront, you can spend the evening in the Chiaia district and have fun enjoying the city nightlife. We suggest you pop into Vico Belledonne, the perfect place for a fantastic happy hour in one of the many clubs and bars offering music and aperitifs. 

Day 5 stops:

- Stroll in Mergellina and Vergiliano Park in Piedigrotta

- Visit to Posillipo: Villa Volpicelli and a walk in Virgiliano Park

- Evening in the Chiaia district

What to see in Naples in a week? The Quartieri Spagnoli are definitely a must: they are the beating heart of Neapolitan life, famous for their vibrancy and authenticity, with narrow, winding streets lined with traditional shops, and above all, for the lively and unique atmosphere you can truly breathe in. Here you can also find the famous mural dedicated to Diego Armando Maradona, one of the tourist attractions most loved by football fans and a true destination for a secular pilgrimage, halfway between sacred and profane.

Around midday, explore another small gem of Naples: the Pignasecca Market, a lovely place in the heart of Naples where you will find fresh produce, fish, cheeses and more. The market develops along Via Pignasecca, a narrow cobbled street, and offers an explosion of colors, sounds and flavors that capture the essence of Neapolitan daily life.

In addition to food, the market also offers antiques, vintage clothes, and local crafts, creating a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. The friendliness of the vendors makes the atmosphere even more welcoming and authentic.

In the afternoon, visit the shopping streets: in addition to the aforementioned Via Toledo, do not miss the majestic Galleria Umberto I, an imposing architectural work that extends for almost 150 meters in the heart of Naples with its characteristic dome over 50 meters high: an incredible place that certainly deserves to be visited during your week in Naples!

Not far away from the exit of the Galleria, find out the famous Gran Caffè Gambrinus to treat yourself to a snack with authentic espresso coffee and with one of the city's typical desserts, such as babà and Neapolitan sfogliatella. In the evening, if you're hungry and craving pizza, you can try one of the best pizzerias in Naples.

Day 6 stops:

- Spanish Quarters

- Pignasecca Market

- Stroll through Galleria Umberto I and snack at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Here we are, the last day of your week-long holiday in Naples has arrived. The last day of every holiday is always a little special, and it's often not easy to choose between the different options.

If you are looking for a romantic landscape to indulge in dreamy scenarios, if the season allows it, we recommend spending your day on the splendid islands of the Gulf of Naples: Ischia, Capri and Procida. Ischia is the largest, famous for its thermal waters, its beaches and its natural beauty, a unique Mediterranean setting enriched by the authentic flavors of the local cuisine. Capri is the most famous island , enchanting visitors with its breathtaking views, lively atmosphere, and unique attractions such as the renowned Blue Grotto. The smallest island of the three is Procida, a picturesque and colorful village with authentic charm and an outstanding culinary tradition.

If, however, you are not yet tired of visiting the iconic attractions of this area, a visit to the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta, just 30 minutes from Naples, will transport you back in time with its grand royal apartments and magnificent gardens. Here, you can stroll among historic fountains and wooded areas, immersed in a timeless, regal atmosphere.

Lastly, not far from the Royal Palace of Caserta, there’s the perfect destination to combine shopping, fashion and relaxation. We are talking about La Reggia Designer Outlet, located in a strategic position, close to the A1 motorway, Caserta sud exit, just 10 minutes from Naples-Capodichino International Airport.

This wonderful outlet hosts the best Italian and international brands, and offers high quality tailor-made services. A visit to La Reggia could be a great idea if you’ve already checked out and want to head closer to the airport while enjoying some last-minute shopping, taking advantage of the great prices and spending a relaxing, pleasant day.

You’ll be welcomed by a square with a scenic fountain and tree-lined avenues, where you’ll find shops from top brands and various leisure options, including a kids’ play area, a space for your four-legged friends, and restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite or enjoy your last spritz. In short, everything you need to spend your last hours in Naples in style.

Day 7 stops:

- An island of your choice among Ischia, Capri, and Procida.

- Royal Palace of Caserta and La Reggia Designer Outlet.